Neil Simon aka. Marvin Neil Simon was an American playwright, screenwriter, and author. He wrote more than 30 plays, movie screenplays, which mostly were the adaptations of his plays. Neil has received the most combined Oscar and Tony nominations compared to other writers of his time.

Marvin Neil Simon was born on July 4, 1927, in the Bronx and was raised in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan with his parents and elder brother, Danny.

Neil Simon graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, and shortly attended New York University until he signed up for the Army Air Force Reserve. Not only that, but he also served as a sports editor for its newspaper, the Rev-Meter.

In the early 1950s, Neil and brother Danny Simon joined the writing cast of the Sid Caesar television series Your Show of Shows along with Mel Brooks,Woody Allen, and Carl Reiner.

Furthermore, he became eligible for an Emmy award nomination as for his work with Caesar and also wrote for The Phil Silvers Show and The Garry Moore Show.

Neil Simon was first married to dancer Joan Baim which lasted 20 years. The couple had two daughters, Nancy and Ellen, before Joan's death from cancer in 1973.

The same year, he married Marsha Mason, an actress. Later, he was married to actress Diane Lander. During that time, he adopted her daughter Bryn. He married his fifth wife and actress Elaine Joyce in the year 1999.

Neil was nominated for 17 Tony Awards over the course of his career, winning three times and received a special Tony in 1975 for his contributions to theatre. In addition to this, he was nominated for four Academy Awards, named a Kennedy Center Honoree and also earned honorary degrees from institutions such as Williams College and Hofstra University.

In the year 1983, the Shubert Organization changed the name of the Alvin Theatre to the Neil Simon Theatre, establishing him as the first living playwright to have a Broadway venue named in his honor.

Simon passed away on August 26, 2018, at a Manhattan hospital due to complications from pneumonia, at the age of 91. He had also been suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

He is estimated to have had the net worth of around $10 million before his death in 2018. Along with his earning from playwright and television shows, Neil's net worth was also added up with his earning from his book sales and royalties. His books Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, and Broadway Bound are priced to be sold for $3.79.

Neil Simon facts on timeline

Born in
Bronx, USA

July 4 , 1927

Marvin Nei Simon was born on July 4, 1927, in the Bronx to parents Irving Simon and Mamie Simon.

Started working for
'Your Show of Shows'

1950

In the 1950s he along with brother Danny joined the writing team of 'Your Show of Shows' which included veteran artists.

Married to
Joan Baim

1953

Simon was married to his first wife Joan Baim in the year 1953 until 1973 when Joan died of cancer; they have two children together.

Alvin Theatre Changed name to
Neil Simon Theatre

1983

In the year 1983, the Shubert Organization changed the name of the Alvin Theatre to the Neil Simon Theatre, establishing him as the first living playwright to have a Broadway venue named in his honor.

Died in
Manhattan Hospital

August 26 , 2018

On August 26, 2018, Simon died due to complications in pneumonia at the age of 91 in a hospital of Manhattan.

As of 2018, his net worth is estimated to be
$10 million

2018

One of the most successful playwrights, Neil Simon was worth $10 millions before his death.